Christopher Sharma

40 cases registered in less than three weeks, at least four deaths. Stocks distributed by the government can only be consumed after boiling. Panic breaks out in the valley.

The draft of the new Constitution contains the term "socialism" instead of "free market". Entrepreneurs believe that "developed countries have become such thanks to the involvement of their nationals in production and sale". They fear a return to planned economy of the 1990s.

Some members of the constituent assembly have come out against the cow as the nation’s symbol as suggested in the draft constitution currently under discussion. The cow is a Hindu symbol of prosperity, and the monetary value of a cow’s life is the same as that of a human being.

The child’s name was Jeevan Kohar. He was playing near home and was tricked into following his murderers with a box of biscuits and the equivalent of 50 cents. His body was offered in sacrifice to Hindu gods in order to cure an 18-year-old man. The latter’s father said he feels guilty for his action. Lawyers staged a protest in front of parliament against Hindu superstitious practices, which are used to justify the murder of innocent people.

The draft proposal includes social and economic rights, but not political rights. Dual citizenship and immigration from China and India are major issues. More than 500,000 Nepalis living abroad could provide capital for the development of their country of origin. The Nepali diaspora has the resources, skills and knowhow necessary to help one of the poorest countries in the world.

Under a provision in the draft constitution, anyone who carries out religious conversions could be punished. For Christian clergyman, this “goes against freedom itself”. In Terai district, copies of the proposed charter were burnt. Hundreds of people are arrested and scores hurt in violent clashes with police. Regional parties want the federal nature of the state recognised right away.

Nepali government officials at the 39th session UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee call for the country to be removed from the danger list for travellers. In 2014, some 800,000 tourists visited the Himalayan nation. This year, this is expected to decline by 40 per cent. Just for summer and fall, bookings should drop by 70 per cent. For Nepal, tourism is a major source of revenue.

The authorities have allocated a total of 7.3 billion euro. Most resources will be used to rebuild the country after the April 25 earthquake. The funds for education barely reach 20% of the budget, as the government had promised. Private sector favored as are funds for the federal organization of the State as laid down by new Constitution.

The practice of black magic is common in the Hindu community in the south of the country. To honor the gods and learn witchcraft gurus dictate the murder of children and the extraction of their fresh blood. In contrast, adults are burnt alive. Investigators suspect other crimes that go unreported.

The Indian and Chinese goods would cross the Lipulekh pass, in north-western Nepal. Kathmadu Government spokesman: "We must find an agreement that satisfies all three countries." Leader of the Maoist party denounces violation of the 1816 Treaty between India and Nepal. Government fails to defend national interests.

Lawyers and women’s rights activists slam provisions like Article 43 (6), which recognises that "couples have equal rights to family property" but excludes access to inheritance for unmarried women. Similarly, Article 12 (1) grants citizenship only to children, but only if both parents are Nepali. In either case, a patriarchal mind-set and fear of foreigners seem to have prevailed.

Constituent Assembly set to begin new consultations. Problems remain to solve. Amendments may be proposed by both parties and civil society. Catholic bishop: "First step towards democracy".